Metal Inlay: Applications & Health Benefits

Inlays refer to a fairly durable type of filling that can be used to reconstruct and preserve teeth through an inlay filling. Mostly, inlays are used in posterior teeth today. They can be made of metal, among other materials. Popular types of metal used for inlays include gold or titanium.

What is a metal inlay?

Mostly, inlays are used in posterior teeth today. They can be made of metal, among other materials. In addition to materials such as ceramic, dental cement and plastic, metals such as gold and, more recently, titanium are among the most popular and commonly used types of materials when it comes to restoring a tooth with an inlay. Like all types of inlays, metal types such as gold and titanium are preferred for use in the posterior region. However, as these are more visually striking than materials such as plastic, ceramic or dental cement, they are now mostly used in the posterior and less visible tooth region, as aesthetics are often less important here than in the anterior region, where inlays are generally not used. In addition to the disadvantage that metal inlays are more conspicuous because their coloration makes them stand out from the natural tooth substance, metal inlays also have numerous advantages: The often very long durability is one advantage.

Shapes, types and types

Inlays made of metal today can be made of gold or titanium. However, besides the fact that even today the gold inlay is the most expensive option in dental care, it also differs from other types of materials by its nature. Gold inlays are less noticeable than titanium, for example, due to their warmer coloration, as they stand out less from the tooth structure compared to the latter. In addition, gold is still the most durable material in dentistry today. It is not uncommon for many dental fillings, crowns and inlays made of gold to last at least 20 years or more. One reason for this is the high material quality that gold exhibits, because gold is not only very compatible, but also incredibly robust. And this is despite the fact that it is significantly softer than other materials. As a result, it can also be adapted to the gumline quite well. Titanium is not necessarily inexpensive either, but can also convince with its durability and robustness. However, it is usually more conspicuous than other types of inlay due to its coloring. This is another reason why titanium inlays are mainly used in the posterior posterior region. Another reason is the high load-bearing capacity of the material, which is why today larger inlays in particular are often and readily made of titanium. However, regardless of whether gold or titanium inlays are used, a great deal of tooth substance often has to be removed for all inlays made of metal, as both materials are too robust in their hardened form to be subsequently adapted to the tooth with millimeter precision. For this reason, the tooth must be prepared for the use of the inlay to a greater extent and over a larger area.

Structure and function

Inlays are intended to replace damaged parts of the tooth, if they have been lost, for example, due to a caries attack, a fracture or similar. Metal inlays are made of a high-quality gold or titanium alloy, depending on the type of metal. They are manufactured in the laboratory after the tooth has been prepared by the dentist for the insertion of the inlay. Here, on the one hand, they are made to fit precisely on the basis of various impressions of the dentition and the prepared tooth, but on the other hand, they are also made in such a way that they have a natural tooth shape and later fit into the dentition in the best possible way. This means that the inlay usually only needs to be adjusted minimally. Especially with inlay types that have a more natural tooth color, such as ceramic, the tooth can often be reconstructed very naturally. As a result, an inlay is often a good alternative to a dental crown, which can be significantly more expensive and time-consuming.

Medical and health benefits

Inlays, like all types of dental fillings, are intended to restore and thus preserve a damaged tooth. Their advantage over ordinary fillings is usually that they are more durable. Provided they have been correctly and professionally made, fitted and fixed. Many inlays sometimes last a lifetime. Some statistics show that after 15 years, only about 20 percent of inlays need to be replaced.However, this is usually caused by caries on the tooth or incorrect attachment, which occurred when the inlay was placed. This is because the inlay is attached to the tooth using various types of adhesive – but it can often be quickly and easily reattached correctly if it comes loose again or if there is too large a gap between the tooth and the inlay. It is therefore advisable to have the fit of the inlay checked regularly by the dentist. This can be done conveniently during check-up appointments, for example. However, in addition to durability, inlays also have a higher load-bearing capacity and, depending on the type of inlay, a more natural appearance as further medical benefits.